RAWALPINDI, Aug 8: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has restricted the entry of visitors to the Islamabad International Airport premises in view of the security alert, officials said here on Thursday.

The officials said people have been requested not to visit the airport, unnecessarily.

The Airport Security Force (ASF) has been asked to step up surveillance so as to identify people found inside the airport without any reason.

The security staff will be free to question the visitors, coming to the airport and the people have been requested to cooperate.

Public Relations Officer, CAA, Mubarik Ali Shah, while talking to this reporter, said the decision had been taken to beef up security at the airport and avoid any untoward incident.

Airport Manager, Farooq Malik said visitors accompanying passengers departing or arriving cause administrative problems for the security staff as well as cramp the already limited space. He said this tendency needs to be checked and farewell or reception should take place at home.

Restrictions have been imposed for two reasons one to check terrorism and two to check petty crimes such as fraud, baggage theft and illegal money changers, who had been depriving the passengers of their belongings.

At least three or more gangs of criminals are reportedly operating inside the airport and deal in illegal money changing business. Several cases were reported in which passengers were defrauded by these gangs.

Another problem facing the airport management was the presence of beggars, who somehow manage to sneak through the security staff and pester the passengers and cause embarrassment.

Fire management week: Airport management was observing fire prevention week for ensuring proper prevention against fire and to educate and prepare airport staff for initial fire fighting.

The officials said the fear of terrorism has enhanced the need for observing safety and precautionary measures.